THE PERCEPTION AND MOTIVATION IN CONDUCTING RESEARCH AMONG ACADEMIC SUPPORT STAFF AT THE GRADUATE SCHOOL OF SUAN SUNANDHA RAJABHAT UNIVERSITY

Abstract

A Study on The perception and motivation in conducting research among academic support staff at the Graduate School of Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University .This study aimed to: (1) examine the level of perception regarding research among the academic support staff of the Graduate School, Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University; (2) study the level of motivation toward conducting research among the academic support staff of the Graduate School; (3) compare the perception and motivation toward research among the academic support staff classified by personal characteristics such as gender, age, and educational level; and (4) propose guidelines or recommendations for promoting motivation and enhancing the potential of academic support staff in participating in research. Data were collected from a sample group of 25 staff members of the Graduate School. The research instrument used was a five-point Likert scale questionnaire. The statistical methods employed for data analysis included the mean, standard deviation. The research findings revealed that: (1) the overall level of perception toward research among the academic support staff of the Graduate School, Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University was at the highest level; (2) the overall level of motivation toward research among the academic support staff was also at the highest level; and (3) Guidelines for promoting motivation and enhancing the potential of academic support staff should be implemented in both external and internal dimensions. In the external dimension, for example, staff should be encouraged to present their work at national and international academic conferences. In the internal dimension, staff should be encouraged to recognize the importance of conducting research for self-development and for improving work quality, as well as to foster inspiration for engaging in research on a continuous basis.